Greece Reopens Shopping Malls and Discount Parks Under COVID-secure Guidelines

Photo © McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens

Shopping malls and discount parks (outlet stores) will open in Greece under COVID-secure guidelines on Saturday, April 24, Greek Secretary General for Trade and Consumer Protection Panagiotis Stampoulidis announced on Friday.

Speaking during the Covid-19 media briefing, Stampoulidis said that the health/safety measures that will apply in shopping malls and discount parks are the same as those in force for retail stores.

All stores in shopping malls and discount parks will be operating by both “click away” and “click in shop” methods.

Photo © Athens Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI)

According to the “click away” method, consumers must make online or phone orders and pick up their purchases only outside of stores. The “click in shop” method sees consumers making appointments (online or by phone) in advance to shop in person inside stores. The method allows only a limited number of consumers in a store at once.

It was also announced that retail stores and shopping malls in Thessaloniki and Kozani would also be able to service customers via the “click in shop” system. Until now, stores in the two areas were limited to operate only by the “click away” method.

Shoppers must follow strict social distancing rules while making purchases in person in shopping malls and discount parks.

One customer per 25 square meters will be allowed inside stores and one person for every 10 square meters outdoors. When inside stores, consumers must maintain at least 2 meters distance from one another when waiting to pay for their purchases.

Photo © McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Athens

As also announced for shopping in retail stores, consumers will be given a three-hour period per day to do make purchases in malls and will be required to first book an appointment and then send a text message to the five-digit number 13032, which is to be used only to request movement for shopping.

Shoppers will need to have proof of appointment from the store/stores they are to shop at (booked via SMS).

Restaurants and cafes in shopping malls and discount parks will remain closed. This includes establishments that offer take away and delivery services.

Stampoulidis added that all owners of businesses and staff in shopping malls and discount parks must undergo mandatory self-testing for Covid-19 once a week.

Beauty salons in Greece will also reopen as of April 24. Customers are allowed to enter only with an appointment and owners of beauty salons must ascertain that all necessary social distancing measures are being followed.

All owners of beauty salons and staff must undergo mandatory self-testing for Covid-19 twice a week.

Moreover, the secretary general for trade and consumer protection went through the announced measures that restaurants, cafes and bars must follow once they reopen on May 3.

It is reminded that mask wearing is mandatory for all in all public places.